Arrival & Move-In

Preparation

Arrival and move-in preparation can be overwhelming, especially if this is the first time you'll be living away from home. Explore the steps below to make sure you're ready to arrive to Rochester.

Photo of three students sitting on the floor of an on-campus dorm room talking and looking at photos

Submit your housing and dining contract form

Required for all students, including commuters

This is required for all incoming students, including those living in off-campus housing, as you will need to make your required dining meal plan selections. View instructions for submitting your contract form on the new student checklist.

View instructions on checklist

Book your travel

We know that planning travel can be overwhelming, especially if you live far away from Rochester. We've put together a comprehensive list of transportation options and local accommodations, including many with University of Rochester discounts.

View resources

Register for Fall Welcome Week

Registration for Fall Welcome Week is required for all incoming students beginning their studies in August by Monday, August 5. When completing your form, make sure to add all guests who will be attending family Welcome Week events, so they can be added to your registration.

Complete registration form

Arriving to campus from a location outside of the U.S.?

You can purchase a dorm (linen) pack to use for your first few nights in Rochester or until you able to purchase linens locally. Indicate your interest in purchasing a dorm pack on the Welcome Week Registration Form. The dorm pack includes the following items in neutral colors:

One pillow
One blanket
One twin XL sheet set (includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one pillowcase)
One laundry bag
One bath towel

Select a move-in time slot

If you are living on campus, you'll also need to select a specific move-in time slot on arrival day. You will not be allowed to move in any earlier than the beginning of your time slot (no exceptions). You'll find the instructions to sign up for your move-in time slot in your housing assignment email, which will arrive in your Rochester email inbox from Residential Life by the date listed on the new student checklist.

View date and instructions on checklist

Purchase your parking permit

Available to commuter students and upperclass transfer students only

First-year students living at home in the Rochester area are eligible to purchase a commuter student parking permit, while upperclass transfer students can purchase either a residential or commuter student parking permit (based on their housing situation). View instructions for purchasing both types of permits on the new student checklist.

View instructions on checklist

Mail packages to campus

As a full-time student, you are provided with a Campus Mail Center (CMC) box to receive both U.S. and campus mail that remains the same for your entire time at the University of Rochester. The Campus Mail Center team will provide you with your CMC box information via email ahead of your arrival to campus. View the date you can begin having packages delivered to the University (and how to do so!) on the new student checklist.

View date and instructions on checklist

Residential Life policies

Before arriving on campus, you must review and understand the following information and policies. Altogether, these create a comprehensive reference for living on campus and help you to understand the policies that govern on-campus housing. You will be responsible for the information in these documents, so it is important to read and understand them prior to your arrival on campus.

Residential Students

Your area office

In addition to Residential Life and Housing Service's main office, your area office serves as your first stop for day-to-day requests, including key needs, facilities, personal concerns, and area or hall guidelines.

Find yours